One of Twenty-Three Sheets of Drawings of Glassware (Mirrors, Chandeliers, Goblets, etc.) 1850 - 1880

This sheet of drawings of glassware—mirrors, chandeliers, goblets, and so on—was made by the Compagnia di Venezia e Murano, sometime between 1872 and 1909. This company sought to revive traditional Venetian glassmaking. Venice had been a center of glass production since the 13th century, with the industry largely concentrated on the island of Murano. By the 19th century, however, Venetian glassmaking had declined due to competition from other European manufacturers. The Compagnia di Venezia e Murano emerged during a period of cultural nationalism. They deliberately referenced historical styles and techniques. Here, we see the candelabras adorned with floral motifs and delicate ornamentation, typical of Venetian glasswork. By reviving these designs, the company not only tapped into a rich artistic heritage, but also contributed to the construction of a Venetian cultural identity. To fully understand this drawing, a cultural historian might consult archives from the Murano glass factories to further investigate the role of the company in shaping the image of Venice.